Muslim-oriented cable network to go on air next wk (Bridges TV-Buffalo,NY)

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A new Muslim-oriented cable television network is scheduled to begin broadcasting from Buffalo Tuesday, weaving news coverage with dramas and children's shows, classic movies and programs about food travel and culture.

Bridges TV is believed to be the first English-language cable station aimed at the rapidly growing Muslim demographic. Its founder and chief executive, Muzzammil Hassan, hopes the network will help balance negative portrayals of Muslims that have dominated American media since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

"The name `Bridges TV' is to build bridges with mainstream America," he said. "The very purpose of Bridges is to build bridges of friendship and understanding."

Unlike Al-Jazeera or other controversial networks beamed from predominantly Muslim countries, Bridges TV is "more of a cultural, lifestyle and entertainment network," said Hassan, 40, a former bank vice president. "It's not a religious or political network. Our focus is life right here in North America."

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ny--islamictelevision1126nov26,0,889082.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

This is really needed in America. I wish the network success.